News for September 25th, 2015

Dr. Peter Metrakos was sentenced to a three month suspension, a $1,500 fine and 10 surgical lessons by the College des medicins du Quebec

According to the Montreal Gazette, Ivon Tudorov died after his liver, already weakened by chemotherapy, collapsed during an operation by Metrakos.

The surgeon, who assured the 83-year-old's family that the operation was simple, was reprimanded for failing to properly assess Tudorov's medical condition, failing to keep up with his medical records and operating when it was not medically imperative.

NATIONAL
by Patricia Petit-Liang

Nova Scotia has made it possible for transgender people to change the sex designation on their birth certificates to their preference.

According to CTV, the Vital Statistics Act amendment took effect in the last week after Service Minister Mark Furey was prompted to introduce the legislation in April.

Anyone wanting to change their designation must present a self-declaration and letter of support from a nurse, physician or social worker- and anyone under 16 must also have the consent of their parents or guardians.

Nova Scotia says the change will help protect transgender citizens from harassment and discrimination.

INTERNATIONAL
by Catlin Spencer

Around 717 people were killed in the city of Mecca on Thursday.

According to Reuters, another 863 people were injured in what is now the worst disaster to have ever occurred during the annual haj pilgrimage since the 1990s.

The haj, which is the world’s largest annual gathering of people, has an unfortunate history of deadly stampedes, fires and riots due to lack of crowd control.

This tragedy comes two weeks after 110 people died in Mecca’s Grand Mosque after a crane had collapsed onto them.